#808: Stephen West — From High School Dropout to Hit Podcast (Plus: Life Lessons from Ralph Waldo Emerson, Friedrich Nietzsche, Simone Weil, and More)

Stephen West’s personal background is one of adversity and self-reliance, which eventually paved the way to his unlikely discovery of philosophy that would change the course of his life.

West's Difficult Childhood Included Foster Care and Homelessness

West, taken off the streets by Child Protective Services (CPS) at the age of nine due to homelessness, was placed in group homes and foster care. He was separated from his sister and placed with family members initially. At 14, he was in a long-term foster placement in Washington, the state where he currently resides.

Teenager West Quit High School, Worked Multiple Jobs, Including Safeway

By 16, West had dropped out of high school and was working multiple jobs to support himself. He lived in a friend's car, with a coworker, and later moved in with his girlfriend. He held positions at Safeway as a bagger and then a helper clerk, where he stocked shelves and assisted customers. Needing more income, he also worked part-time at Jo-Ann Fabrics.

West Discovered Philosophy Accidentally Through Audiobooks at Work

While working, West benefitted from being able to listen to audiobooks all day. Acknowledging the lack of mentors in his life, West googled the wisest person in history, an inquiry that led him to Plato’s dialogue "Gorgia ...

The "Philosophize This" podcast, hosted by Stephen West, has become a renowned platform for making philosophy accessible. West's journey began while working at a warehouse, where his interest in philosophy and talk radio laid the groundwork for his future as a podcaster.

West Started the Podcast as an Experiment to Make Philosophy Accessible While Working At the Warehouse

Stephen West started listening to philosophy books and talk radio while working at the warehouse, which inspired him to "paint pictures with words" through his own podcast. Although there is no direct mention of the podcast starting while West was at the warehouse, it's evident that his job dissatisfaction fueled his decision to launch "Philosophize This" as a means to bring philosophy to the masses. Striving for more than just warehouse work, West sought to make philosophy more relatable and humanized.

West threw himself into the podcast endeavor, an experiment driven by a blend of desperation and passion. At the outset, West did not expect the podcast could support him financially; his goal was modest – just $800 a month.

Early Days: West's Guide to Presocratics and Foundational Philosophers

In the early episodes of "Philosophize This," West tackled the Presocratics and the foundational philosophers, creating a guided walkthrough of their ideas. West reflects on these episodes as rough, recalling his first episode that spanned from the out of Africa theory to the rise of discussion culture along the coasts of Ionia and Italy, giving birth to the Presocratic philosophers. He saw these episodes as rudimentary but recognized them as necessary stepping stones for the show's growth.

Podcast's Success Led West To Full-Time Transition

Key to the Podcast's Success: West's Authenticity and Aversion To "Copying" Others

The podcast captured an audience quickly, giving West the momentum to shift from warehouse work to podcasting full-time. As "Philosophize This" gained traction, West received offers about ads, suggesting ...

Tim Ferriss and Stephen West discuss how philosophy offers more than abstract thought, providing practical tools for dealing with real-life challenges such as stress, anxiety, and personal growth.

Philosophy as Active Inquiry, Not Just Abstract Thought

Ferriss highlights the need for philosophical systems that are "imminently practical," particularly for addressing stressful situations such as family medical issues. Meditation, for instance, is a practical tool that he uses to lower his resting anxiety levels, reflecting the application of philosophy in actively addressing challenges.

Stephen West reinforces this point by describing philosophy as more of a verb—an active process—rather than merely an intellectual exercise. He argues that philosophy is not just for theoretical debate but involves a daily practice that transcends traditional thinking.

West Stresses Living Philosophical Ideas, Not Just Thinking Them

West sees utilitarianism not just as a concept to be contemplated but as a practical guide for deeper awareness and understanding. He discusses Wittgenstein's idea from the "Tractatus," which posits that the very process of engaging with philosophical ideas can fundamentally alter one's view of life's questions.

West suggests that philosophy is an iterative process. He tries to embody philosophical work provisionally while engaging with it actively, allowing these ideas to shape his understanding of the world.

Philosophy is seen as a method of "conceptual engineering" by West. It is a deliberate practice where people rethink their assumptions and worldviews to make better choices. This process of reengineering one's views leads to personal growth and transformation.

Philosophy Challenges Assumptions, Opening New Ways to See Reality

Ferriss and West discuss the importance of questioning conventional beliefs and assumptions. For example, West points out how philosophy forces us to rethink well-known concepts like love, justice, and freedom, offering new perspectives on reality.

West engages with Ferriss's search for practical philosophy and believes that by challenging the commonplace, philosophy can be transformative. West shares how, in his 20s, philosophical frameworks were crucial in helping him navigate life's challenges, which he now views as an ongoing process rather than a set of living protocols.

He stresses the importance of paying attention to the advice and education that the world offers outside traditional settings like classrooms. For West, this continuous engagement is essential for philosophy to impact a person and lead to action.

Philosophy as "Conceptual Engineering": Rethink Worldviews for Better Choices

West further explains that philosophy allows individuals to think their way out of problems. He refers to philosophy as the "gym" for conceptual thought, where one can practice rethinking and reframing reality, highlighting its necessity for growth and transformation.

Ferriss agrees that philosophy's underpinnings still apply in his work, emphasizing that tools are secondary to the assumptions on their use, which reflects a discussion about foundational be ...

Stephen West's journey through the landscape of philosophy has been influenced by various thinkers who have shaped his approach to life, content creation, and spirituality. His exploration of different philosophies has led him to challenge his own perspectives and become more engaged in the complexities of human experience.

Emerson's Influence on West: Courage and Authenticity

Emerson Dispelled the Myth That Only "Geniuses" Create Meaningful Content or Have Impact

Stephen West recognized through Ralph Waldo Emerson's writings that meaningful impact doesn't require genius, but rather the bravery to express oneself. Emerson, who inspired people during his time to think for themselves and be catalysts for change, has influenced West's modern content creation. The message that resonates with West is the idea that content creators are not necessarily geniuses; instead, they're individuals who resonate with existing sentiments. West believes that success as a creator is less about intellectual prowess and more about having the courage to express thoughts that resonate with others.

Amor Fati: Nietzsche's Influence on West

West Accepts and Affirms His Reality

The concept of amor fati, which is Nietzsche's idea of loving one's fate, has made a significant impact on West. He discusses Nietzsche's commitment to saying "yes" to all of reality—even its uncomfortable aspects—without trying to rationalize or excuse suffering. This acceptance of life in its entirety, as presented by Nietzsche, has helped West to embrace his own reality and find affirmation in life itself.

West's Exploration of Weil and Camus: Understanding Spirituality's Role in Experience

West Rethinks Atheism: Exploring Philosophy, Religion, and Meaning

West's journey through philosophy has led him to read and appreciate the works of thinkers like Søren Kierkegaard, Simone Weil, and Albert Camus. Initially subscribing to the new atheist movement, West's perspective was challenged after reading Kierkegaard, leading him to see religious language not as nonsensical but as an expression of universal human experiences.

Intrigued by mysticism, West has become fascinated with human experiences that philosophy alone cannot capture. His fascination has ...